From CK Nayudu to Vinoo Mankad, Indian cricket captains who couldn’t get a win under their belt

In his first-ever Test match as captain, Ajinkya Rahane — who was filling in for an injured Virat Kohli — tasted success. While he basks in its glory, let’s take a look at captains who couldn’t get a win under their belt.

CK Nayudu

The first Test captain of the Indian cricket team, Nayudu led the team against England at Lord’s in 1932. The home side however got the better of India by 158 runs. Nayudu also captained a 4-match Test series against England in India. While India managed a solitary draw at Eden Gardens, they lost three and drew one of Nayadu’s four Test matches as captain.

Srinivas Venkataraghavan

The former ICC elite panel umpire captained India in five Test matches between 1974 and 1979. One match was against West Indies at home in which he managed a draw in 1974. In a four match series against England, India managed one draw and lost three matches.

Vinoo Mankad

Under Mankad, India toured Pakistan for the first time in 1954-55. The series was a dull affair as all five matches failed to produce a winner. Vinoo Mankad also led India against West Indies in 1958, but lost. In the six matches as captain, he never managed a win.


Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane hold Border Gavaskar Trophy after winning the series against Australia during the 4th day of last test match at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. (Image: PTI)

Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi

The father of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Iftikhar Ali Khan captained India in three Tests in England. Pataudi also represented England in Test cricket. However, unlike his son, Pataudi senior had little success. While India managed to draw two Tests, they lost the third. He also played three Tests for England. Pataudi was the only Test cricketer to have played for both sides.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth

Srikkanth led India in four Tests that were played against Pakistan 1989. However, he was unable to win any of them as all ended in draws. Probably the only historic part was that Sachin Tendulkar made his Test debut in this series. The former chairman of the selection committee did not captain India again.